I keep a running list of haircare winners and losers on a post called Haircare Graveyard. I’ve spent a lot of money over the years searching for the best products for my hair in every haircare category imaginable. The Haircare Graveyard helps me remember which products worked, and which were complete duds and a total waste of money. Below are some newly discovered favorites as well as some of my
This is the 11th month of my no-buy makeup year. It has been the most effective challenge forcing me to 1. be grateful for, and 2. use up the makeup I already own before buying anything new. This year, I have allowed myself to purchase replacements only or if I have completely run out of a particular kind of makeup. So far the only things I have purchased are mascara
One of the best affordable skincare brands available at the drugstore today is No7 Skincare. This UK company has been in the skincare business since 1935 and fortunately is now readily available to us in the US. Their serums, arguably their most popular products, are packed with the same active and potent ingredients found in high-end (expensive) skincare brands where you are likely paying for a luxury name and fancy
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream What it claims to do: “Clinically proven to reduce the depth of wrinkles, improve skin firmness, tone and hydration in 15 days. The unique Mediterranean algae, Padina Pavonica, has been shown to dramatically increase the quantity of glucosaminoglycans (GAGs) within the skin. By special cell communication, these water-attracting GAGs are responsible for skin moisturization, improving suppleness, firmness and elasticity. In addition, Ginkgo Biloba providing superior free-radical
Maybelline has been around for 104 years. It was created by a 19-year-old chemist named Thomas Williams in 1915. He watched his sister, Maybel, apply Vaseline to enhance her brows and lashes. He added coal ash to darken her brows and lashes, creating a pomade called Maybelline Cake Mascara which he named after his sister. Initially only available through mail-order, women began asking for the mascara at their local drugstore
Physical and chemical exfoliating products have a place in my skincare arsenal for different reasons. My heavy retinol use inevitably means dry, flaky skin on a regular basis. The only scrub that sloughs away the flaky bits is a heavy-duty physical scrub. St. Ives Apricot Scrub may come to mind. It’s cheap, and I do like it for my body but I would never use it on my face. The
Pixi Beauty is a London based skincare and makeup brand. Its skincare range is affordable (most under $30) and infused with botanicals and skin-loving ingredients. In the US, Pixi products can be found in Target and some drugstores. You can shop the entire range online. They offer free shipping on orders over $25. Pixi Beauty is also cruelty-free and does not test on animals. I haven’t been overly impressed with
My morning skincare routine: Step 1: Cleanse La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser – This is another hero product in the Toleriane range for sensitive skin. The eye cream and moisturizer are wonderful and affordable as is this cleanser. This range is simple, clean, quality skincare at its best. Step 2: Mask FRESH Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask – A couple of times a week, I’ve been using this
Both live up to all the hype they’ve received. I’ve gone through multiple bottles of each. Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil What it claims to do? “Works throughout the night to deliver visibly youthful, luminous, even-toned skin by morning…reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles, while visibly improving the signs of premature aging: fine lines, uneven texture, age spots, dryness, and dullness. – 96% of women felt their skin looked
2019 is my low-buy year in a dedicated effort to use, utilize, and be grateful for the things I already own, but when it comes to makeup and skincare, it is strictly, no-buy. I’m buying replacements only while I use up what I have. Therefore, I’ve been digging into the deep recesses of my makeup cupboard to bring new attention to long-forgotten products. I’ve decluttered some items which brings me